Crime & Safety

Wilmington Man Charged After Alleged Drunk Driving Crash

Suspect allegedly fled the scene of the accident after rolling his car over on Shawsheen Street.

A Wilmington man is facing a laundry list of charges after allegedly driving drunk and rolling his car over at the intersection of Shawsheen Street and Rockvale Road in Tewksbury.

Richard A. Decoste, 43, of 2 River St., Wilmington, allegedly fled the scene following the accident and was tracked down in the woods behind a Rockvale Road home, according to the Tewksbury Police report.

According to the report, a 911 caller reported the crash at 1190 Shawsheen St. at 1:11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, prompting a full emergency response to the scene. As officers arrived, the suspect was spotted heading into the woods behind 62 Rockvale. The K-9 unit was called to the scene but Decoste was located quickly.

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According to the report, Decoste did not surrender quietly and assaulted officers attempting to subdue him.

Decoste was charged with OUI-liquor (2nd offense), operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license (3rd or subsequent offense), three counts of assault and battery on a police officer, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, disorderly conduct, marked lanes violation, wanton destruction of property and refusal to identify himself for a police officer.

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Investigating officers found property damage alleged caused by Decoste's car at 1195 Shawsheen St., 1215 Shawsheen St., and 62 Rockvale Road.


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